New York Knicks must consider drafting Bones Hyland in 2021 NBA Draft

The New York Knicks are enjoying a spectacular turnaround this season, highlighted by reaching the NBA playoffs for the first time since 2013. Right now, they trailing 2-1 in their first-round matchup against the Atlanta Hawks as the series has shifted to the ATL. While all of that is good, it’s not too late to look to the future, namely the NBA Draft.

Armed with four draft picks, the Knicks are in a position to make a move up the board or stay where they are and draft players to adapt to head coach Tom Thibodeau’s style of play, namely defense and the ability to knock down shots. So far, Julius Randle has played well, and the emergence of Immanuel Quickley has been a nice addition. Additionally, though Obi Toppin has been limited, his late-game dunk in Game 2 sent Madison Square Garden in a frenzy. Also, who can forget Derrick Rose playing with a refreshed look?

It’s all well and good, but the Knicks need a guard who has an edge and the ability to knock down shots. Though Cade Cunningham is likely to be taken high, the Knicks can take a calm approach and go looking for a diamond in the rough, and this year, it’s likely to be Virginia Commonwealth’s Nah’Shon “Bones” Hyland.

Bones Hyland was a stellar player for the VCU Rams, and his resume is worthy of a team like the New York Knicks taking in the NBA Draft.

At first glance, taking a guy from Virginia Commonwealth doesn’t seem to be too attractive as it’s not Duke or UNC or any other blue blood. However, the Knicks drafted Toppin out of Dayton, and the Flyers aren’t competing for the NCAA title consistently. Also, it’s not about where you come from, but what you do when given the opportunity, and given Hyland’s history on and off the court, he is built for the Big Apple.

Hyland’s story is incredible. In his last season, he averaged 19.5 points per game on 44.7 percent shooting. He also made 86.2 percent of his free throws. Additionally, even though VCU lost to St. Bonaventure in the A-10 championship game, Hyland led the Rams with 21 points while knocking down 11 of 12 free throws. Granted, the Atlantic 10 isn’t as revered as maybe the ACC, the Big 12, the Big 10, or the SEC, but they have produced effective players with traits that can translate to the next level.

So what does this have to do with the Knicks? Well, they need someone alongside Rose and Quickley who can play the wing position while providing a boost in their outside shooting. Against Atlanta in Game 2, though New York won 101-92, they were down 13 at one point. Rose scored 26 off the bench to lead the team, yet the team finished with 36.4 percent from 3-point range and 38.3 percent from the floor.

Adding a new player like Hyland into the equation can only help the Knicks at this point. They already have the right coach in place, and he can help craft out the defense. In this day and age, however, excellent guard play is paramount to success. Hyland will likely not be a very high draft pick, but the Knicks have the equity to make a move in either the first or second round if they choose. Bones Hyland will likely be a second-round pick or even undrafted, and him being added to the Knicks can only bring positive results, something the fans wearing orange and blue can enjoy.